Thing 21: Emerging Technologies

1. I chose to read the article, “Is Technology Being Integrated Effectively?” This
article was published by a principal. The author argues that, while technology is
being integrated into more classrooms, the way integration occurs is not as
effective as it could be. His primary example is Kahoot. Kahoot is used in many,
many classrooms to increase student engagement. However, the types of questions
asked on Kahoot are focused on the low cognitive domains. “My issue is how this
tool, and many others, are utilized in the classroom.” Ultimately technology should
enable students to make connections across disciplines and content areas, solve
real-world predicable problems, and solve real-world unpredictable problems. The
author continues by stating that the goal of integrating technology should be to
provide students with the opportunity to work and think simultaneously.
Additionally, it should be noted that technology will not automatically improve every
lesson. A pedagogy first, technology second approach should be employed to
increase the likelihood of successful lessons with technology.

In the article, the Kahoot example represents the lowest level on the SAMR model
—substitution. However, the article makes a point that technology should do more
than merely replace traditional lessons. Technology should modify and redefine
lessons. Technology modifies lessons by transforming lessons as technology allows
for the significant redesign of the project or task within a lesson. Redefinition of
lessons occur when technology allows for the creation of new tasks and projects
that were previously not feasible with technological influences.

2. The emerging technology tool that I found interesting was Oculus Rift. These
virtual reality goggles would enhance learning in the classroom by ‘placing’ students
in virtual realities. Students would feel as though they were experiencing an event
being learned about or feel as though they were gaining first-hand experiences.

3. My opinion about BYOD is mixed. In the elementary grades BYOD does not make
sense. In lower grades, teachers should be using technology in the classroom to help
students develop tech skills and learning how to navigate the internet safely. As a
teacher, I would prefer all my students working on the same device, so I can clearly
model what students should be seeing and what their next steps should be. If
students were working on different devices, it would complicate teaching the
process of using technology. In upper grades, students have already developed
these skills and would be more successful when using personal devices during the
school day. Additionally, I think BYOD can make differences in socioeconomic
status more prevalent. In some areas, this could create an issue of equity. School
supplied devices would level the technological playing field for students.